Many people suffer from neck pain. Sometimes the pain is severe and can include dizziness, nausea, headache, or tingling and numbness of the hands. Sometimes we know exactly what brought on our neck problems, like a car accident or a fall.

Muscle spasms are one of the most common sources of neck pain. They usually occur with:
* poor posture,
* repeated movements,
* emotional stress,
* arthritis in the bones of the spine (vertebrae) ,
* injury to the neck such as whiplash or fall, or
* sleeping with a pillow that is too big or too small.

Other, less common, sources of neck pain include:
* pinched nerves,
* inflamed lymph nodes,
* arthritis,
* bone disorders,
* tumors,
* thyroid disease, or
* damage of the windpipe or esophagus.

The best way to avoid and relieve musculo-skeletal neck pain is to practice these good habits:
* Maintain good posture while sitting, standing and sleeping.
* Take frequent breaks, stretching and exercising the muscles in the ways that provide relief.
* Try to reduce the effect emotional stress has on your neck by practicing relaxation techniques.

See a health care professional if you have neck pain that is not relieved by these tips.

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